Wireless motion sensor using infrared illuminator and camera integrated with wireless telephone

ABSTRACT

An integrated camera, motion detector and cordless telephone system. A wireless camera operates to detect motion and then alerts a user to the motion via a base station/cordless handset. In one embodiment, the camera then also transmits still or streaming video to the base station/cordless telephone. Accordingly, a user can monitor image(s) via a cordless telephone handset and/or be alerted of motion within the camera&#39;s field of view.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/437,745, filed Jan. 3, 2003, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to wireless monitoring, andmore particularly to a monitoring system that is, at least in part,integrated with a cordless telephone system.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] With a perceived need for increased security and surveillance,many homeowners have installed alarm systems, including some withpassive infrared motion sensors. Examples of known alarm/monitoringsystems include the following.

[0006] (1) “CyberEye” is a device that senses motion and takes a stillpicture. The picture is then viewed by connecting the device to anexternal TV monitor or VCR. This system supports a black and whitepicture only and uses infrared illumination. More information about thisproduct can be found at http://nservices.com/cybereye.htm.

[0007] (2) “VisionTech VT12WP” is a system that employs a 2.4 GHz highpower wireless video camera that requires line of sight between thecamera and receiver. This system is particularly suited to commercialapplications and, in comparison to systems with similar functionality,is very costly. More information about this product can be found athttp://www.visiontechintl.com/pdf/vt12wp.pdf.

[0008] (3) “TBO-Tech ST-103W” is a system that uses a passive motiondetector that is wired to a separate 2.4 GHz wireless camera andreceiver. The receiver also must be connected to an external TV or VCRto view images. More information about this product can found be athttp://www.hiddenpinholecameras.com/motion-detector.htm.

[0009] Other known monitoring systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,476,858, “Video Monitoring and Security System,” and U.S. Pat. No.6,433,683, “Multipurpose Wireless Video Alarm Device and System.”

[0010] Despite the availability of a wide variety of monitoring systemsas exemplified by the products and systems mentioned above, there isstill a need for improvements in this field of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a system inwhich motion is detected within a field of view of a camera unit. Thisdata is then used to, wirelessly, using a wireless/cordless telephonesystem, notify a user, or trigger a sequence of events. For example,when motion is sensed, the camera unit is programmed to take a pictureof the area under view and have it saved for later viewing. The cameracan also be programmed to transmit streaming video. Preferably, thecamera is sensitive to infrared light.

[0012] The present invention may be used, for example, as a motiondetector in a baby monitor application to indicate (i.e., turn on amicrophone, generate a chime, etc.) that a baby is active and awake.

[0013] The present invention may also be used, for example, as a motiondetector in a video doorbell application to let a user know (e.g., bycausing a doorbell to ring over the cordless phone) that someone isapproaching the door.

[0014] In yet another application of the present invention, the motiondetector is used to indicate (ring an alarm, take a picture, etc.) thatan intruder has entered a secured room.

[0015] Features of the present invention include, but are not limitedto:

[0016] (1) Using a cordless phone handset/base as an alarm for sensingmotion;

[0017] (2) Using a cordless handset to view the area of motion; and

[0018] (3) Viewing an area or detecting motion without visible light.

[0019] The features and attendant advantages of the present inventionwill be more fully appreciated upon a reading of the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary arrangement for a wireless camera thatoperates in conjunction with a base station in a multi handset cordlesstelephone system.

[0021]FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary arrangement for a cordless handsetthat operates in conjunction with a base station in a multihandset/camera cordless telephone system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A significant feature of the present invention is the integrationof a wireless video camera and an easy-to-use and familiar wireless orcordless telephone system. With this integration, a user can not only bealerted to detected motion in an area of interest, but can also easilyview the area of interest on the cordless telephone handset or basestation display. Thus, the present invention provides a cordlesstelephone system with remote sensing capabilities.

[0023] When the present invention is used as a baby monitor, forexample, the sensing of baby movement can be used to alert the parentwho can then peer into the toddler's room using the camera to see theinfant. By employing an infrared illuminator and camera sensitive tothis type of light, it is not only possible to detect motion in thedark, but it is also possible to allow a caretaker to view a baby in adarkened setting.

[0024] When the present invention is used as a video doorbell, the usercan be notified if someone is at the front door. The detection of motioncan even be used to cause a snapshot to be taken of the front door areain, for example, the case of a break-in to help identify an intruder.

[0025] Significantly, by integrating a camera, motion sensor, andwireless unit into a cordless telephony system, it is no longernecessary to purchase separate devices that are often incompatible withone another, as is common in the prior art. More importantly, inaccordance with the present invention, the camera and motion sensor arepreferably integrated into a familiar cordless telephone system, makingthe entire system more user friendly.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, an image in a camera's field of viewis transmitted only upon a trigger caused by sensed motion.Consequently, the transmitter can significantly reduce power consumptionby transmitting only when motion is detected. In the case of a babymonitor application or fixed surveillance operation application,extremely long battery life can thus be achieved for battery-operatedcamera(s) and handset components.

[0027] As explained above in the Background section, some systems use aseparate passive IR sensor to detect motion and a separate camera forimaging. Many of these systems are wired (not wireless), and those thatare wireless use separate transmitters for each component.

[0028] In contrast, an embodiment of the present invention uses acombination infrared illuminator and camera to detect motion in a fieldof view. Once motion is detected, a single integrated radio transmitteris used to notify the user and display an image using the wireless phonesystem. As explained previously, many other products either (a) use awired connection to transmit the information and image or (b) must beconnected to an external VCR or television to view the image. Thepresent invention, on the other hand, is not so constrained.

[0029] In accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, aspects of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wirelesstelephone/video camera/motion sensor system comprises three major systemcomponents:

[0030] (1) Camera Unit;

[0031] (2) Base Unit; and

[0032] (3) Video Handset.

[0033] Sub-components of each of the foregoing components are listedbelow. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that whilespecific frequencies or digital modulation techniques may be listed,these are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent invention.

[0034] The Camera Unit Preferably Comprises:

[0035] CMOS imaging sensor

[0036] Microphone

[0037] Speaker

[0038] infrared illuminator consisting of 6 or more infrared LEDs

[0039] 900 MHz digital modulation transmitter for video

[0040] microcontroller for video processing, transmitter control

[0041] 2.4 or 5.8 GHz digital modulation transceiver for voice andcontrol

[0042] microcontroller for telephone processing and transceiver control

[0043] power supply

[0044] keypad to control functions

[0045] The Base Unit Preferably Comprises:

[0046] Microphone

[0047] Speaker

[0048] 2.4 or 5.8 GHz digital modulation transceiver for voice andcontrol

[0049] microcontroller for telephone processing and transceiver control

[0050] power supply

[0051] keypad to control functions

[0052] The Video Handset Unit Preferably Comprises:

[0053] Color LC display

[0054] Microphone

[0055] Receiver (speaker)

[0056] 900 MHz digital modulation receiver for video

[0057] microcontroller for video processing, receiver control

[0058] 2.4 or 5.8 GHz digital modulation transceiver for voice andcontrol

[0059] microcontroller for telephone processing and transceiver control

[0060] USB interface

[0061] power supply

[0062] Keypad

[0063] Description of Operation

[0064] In one embodiment, the camera unit preferably detects motion inits field of view by taking periodic samples of an image at variouspre-defined points (x_(a),y_(b)) in the image. The samples are saved inmemory between successive video frames and the samples in the same(x_(a),y_(b)) locations are compared. If motion is present in the image,then there will be differences between the samples of successive images.A video microcontroller (video processor) compares the samples anddetermines if sufficient differences exist to indicate motion.

[0065] To ensure that motion can be detected in low or no visible lightconditions, an embodiment of the invention provides an array of infraredLEDs that is pulsed periodically during video sampling to illuminate theviewing area.

[0066] Once the video processor has determined that motion exists, itcan then initiate any of the following exemplary procedures:

[0067] 1. Notify the remote cordless handset/base using a 2.4 or 5.8 GHzcordless radio link;

[0068] 2. Take a snapshot (freeze) picture of the area under view;and/or

[0069] 3. Turn on the video transmitter to display live motion video.

[0070] If the cordless handset/base is notified of motion, the handsetor base can sound an alarm using the integrated speaker/receiver, oractivate the camera/microphone/speaker on the camera and set up avideo/audio link.

[0071] If a snapshot is taken, the saved image can be transmitted to thecordless handset for viewing. The digital image can also be downloadedto a computer or other data-capable device using an optional integratedUSB port on the handset.

[0072] Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thepresent invention provides the ability to, among other things, use acordless phone handset/base as an alarm for sensing motion, use acordless handset to view an area of motion, and view an area or detectmotion even without visible light.

[0073] The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. Thescope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appendedhereto, and by their equivalents.

[0074] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the presentinvention, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps.However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on theparticular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process shouldnot be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one ofordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps maybe possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth inthe specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of thepresent invention should not be limited to the performance of theirsteps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitoring system, comprising: a camera unit; avideo cordless telephone handset; and a base unit, the base unit beingoperable to be in, at least periodic, communication with the camera unitand the video handset unit, and the camera unit being operable to detectmotion and automatically transmit one of (i) a signal to cause the videocordless telephone handset to indicate that motion has been detected,(ii) a still image, and (iii) streaming video to at least one of thebase unit and video handset.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecamera unit comprises a cordless telephone transceiver.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the camera unit comprises a CMOS camera.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the camera unit further comprises a means forilluminating with non-visible radiation.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the cameral unit further comprises an infrared illuminator. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the camera unit comprises a videoprocessor for detecting motion.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thehandset communicates directly with the camera unit wirelessly.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the handset comprises an auxiliary connector.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the auxiliary connector comprises aUSB connector.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the handset comprisesa video receiver.
 11. A monitoring system, comprising: a camera unitincluding a video processor, the video processor being operable tocompare successive images captured by the camera unit and determinewhether motion has occurred; and a cordless telephone handset includinga viewing screen being operable to receive a transmission from thecamera unit subsequent to a determination by the camera unit that motionhas occurred, wherein the transmission is in the form of at least one of(i) a notification alert and (ii) a video image.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the camera unit comprises an illuminator that illuminateswith non-visible light.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the cameraunit comprises a cordless telephone transceiver.
 14. The system of claim11, wherein the camera unit comprises a CMOS camera.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the camera unit comprises a video processor fordetecting motion.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the handsetcommunicates directly with the camera unit wirelessly.
 17. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the handset comprises an auxiliary connector.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the auxiliary connector comprises a USBconnector.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the handset comprises avideo receiver.
 20. A monitoring system, comprising: a wireless cameraunit that includes an infrared illuminator and an imaging sensor capableof capturing infrared light, the wireless camera unit being operable tocapture and transmit images; a base unit that is operable to wirelesslycommunicate with the wireless camera unit; and a cordless handsetcapable of receiving images transmitted from at least one of thewireless camera unit and the base unit.
 21. The system of claim 20,wherein the camera unit comprises a cordless telephone transceiver. 22.The system of claim 20, wherein the camera unit comprises a CMOS camera.23. The system of claim 20, wherein the camera unit comprises a videoprocessor for detecting motion.
 24. The system of claim 20, wherein thehandset communicates directly with the camera unit wirelessly.
 25. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the handset comprises an auxiliaryconnector.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the auxiliary connectorcomprises a USB connector.
 27. The system of claim 20, wherein thehandset comprises a video receiver.